Seven times out of ten you will find me in an all-black ensemble. Over the years, my personal style has evolved from bright pastels and preppy cuts to chic New Yorker with an eye for black. I’ve learned over the years is that every closet should have a strong foundation. The “perfect” closet demands high-quality style basics to act as the foundation. It is so much fun to get ready in the morning when you have at least a few go-to pieces. No matter what season or occasion, I know that I have several outfits that I love.
This gets increasingly difficult for gals that don’t fit within straight sizes. I’m talking plus size, petite, and tall gals. How do you find the basics that feel the best? What styles and cuts do you like best? There are no rules to style, so I say we get rid of the notion of the “best cuts for your body type”. Toss that and ask yourself, “what makes me feel best?”. Maybe the results are the same and maybe they aren’t. Who cares! You feel amazing and confidence takes any outfit from okay to ~brilliant~.
Anyway, I think there are several brands that are killing the game when it comes to high-quality basics. I prioritize brands that cater to all sizes and body shapes [and love doing it because they know they should!]. Today, I’m sharing 10 style basics that everyone can wear and where to find them. Where are your favorite places to shop for basics?
10 Basics Everyone Needs & Where to Find Them
White Button Down | Simple Blouse
A simple blouse or top is the item that I reach for that will easily pair with any pair of jeans. It’s comfy but can easily be dressed up or down. I love the idea of a loose-fitted button-down white shirt/tunic for warmer seasons. Sweaters in soft knits and warm tones are nice for autumn and winter.
Black Turtleneck
Channel your inner Steve Jobs with a black turtleneck. If you follow along with me on literally any other platform, it shouldn’t be too much of a shocker that I think a black turtleneck is a basic deserving of its own category. And, not every black turtleneck is created equal. You can find form-fitting ribbed tops that act as good going out tops. Or go with a men’s cut cotton top that feels like your boyfriend lent it to you, but really it’s all yours.
Graphic Tee
A graphic tee is the easiest way I’ve found to infuse any style with an edgy, bad a** vibe. We all need to feel like we’d have no problem operating a motorcycle at one point or another. I rented a Rolling Stones tee from Nuuly last month and I have to say I was very close to buying it because it made so many fun outfits. The nice thing about graphic tees is that they can also be cute ways of showing off parts of your personality like my “Let’s Get Brunch” or coffee tees.
Dark Wash Blue Jeans
A good pair of dark wash blue jeans is the ultimate sign of a grown up’s closet. I don’t know about you, but I could conquer the world in a pair of good dark wash jeans. My work environment is scarily casual and I like wearing my dark wash jeans to meetings to give off a “put-together-but-not-trying-too-hard” vibe. I hope to never see low rise jeans come back in style and will definitely only be buying highrise jeans for the foreseeable future. If the dark wash isn’t your speed, go for black. Who doesn’t love an all-black ensemble, am I right?
Wide Leg Jeans
Wide leg jeans: you either love them or hate them. I am all in, 100% in love with wide-leg jeans. I have never had a pair of jeans feel so flattering before. And I have to say I think it’s more because of the cut than the brand, color, or rise. I definitely recommend an ankle crop for the short gals out there, but also have some wide leg full-length pants that are baller on me too. Ease your way into the best decision of your life and you won’t regret it.
Distressed, Light/Medium Wash Jeans
I’m still on the hunt for a good light/medium wash distressed jean. But, they are on the list because I think it is the easiest way to do casual Saturday stroll through the farmer’s market, but also go to a nice brunch after. I am imagining a lightly distressed vintage mom jean with the oversized button-down tunic I mentioned earlier. Relaxed UES mom vibes all the way.
Shirt Dress
A T-shirt dress again is a basic that doesn’t scream “I didn’t feel like getting ready today”. My favorite part is that you can find them in so many fabrics (satin, denim, cotton, knit) and lengths. If a t-shirt dress is not your speed, I also love a relaxed bodycon fit or anything at the midi length. Don’t be fooled, short girls can rock that trend too. The key is to find petite styles that are cut specifically for short girls. The key is to belt your midi dresses to give the illusion that your legs are miles long even if they are not.
{A-Line} Skirt
I find A-line skirts to be the most versatile which is why I specifically chose to highlight them on this list. You can find them in so many different materials. They can also be paired with tights easily to add flare or to keep warm. I always find that skirts can be styled into the perfect seasonal transition outfits. Huge skirt fan here and love them in the denim, knit, and satin variety.
White Sneakers
White sneakers are the ironic dream shoe of a New Yorker. But, everyone needs a pair. They can truly go with any outfit and immediately make an outfit even more stylish. I’ve gone through Vans, Pumas, and Adidas. I’m looking into trying Veja and Nike soon when my current shoes die on me. I burn through sneakers living in the city, but good footwear is critical. I shop designer shoes discounted at places like Nordstrom Rack and DSW.
Versatile Flats
I’m not a flats girl, truly. I always found them uncomfortable, unflattering, and all-around not worth my time or money. But, let me tell you not all flats are created equal. I am a huge fan of the loafer trend. Loafers are to 2020, what oxfords were to 2010. I promise a good leather loafer with a feminine cut is twenty something’s dream shoe. I also love platform booties and knee-high boots for colder months.
Okay, so there you have it: my favorite basics, with current examples from my favorite brands! The nice thing about the basics is that they will also be easy to find in thrift stores and vintage shops, especially band tees. I’m not a big thrifter, but I’m trying to find more ways to be sustainable when it comes to fashion. For me, that means making more intentional fashion choices, shopping less and making smarter decisions when I do. I’ve also been renting pieces from Nuuly so that I can try out brands to assess the quality and fit before making a potential higher quality purchase.
What pieces are must-haves in your closet? Do you have any special place that you like to shop for high quality, well-fitting clothing? Let me know down in the comments. Always, looking for new inclusive spots!
Keep on keepin’ on,
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